Surprising Legal Loophole: Kevin Costner's Wife and Children Protected from Home Eviction

Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner. Shutterstock (2)

Kevin Costner's estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, has refuted the actor's "legal" right to evict her and their three children from their longtime family home. In court documents obtained by Insider on Friday, June 16, Baumgartner's lawyer, John Rydell, stated that the request for order (RFO) aims to remove Christine and their children from the house they have resided in their entire lives. Rydell emphasized that despite the lack of substantial legal grounds for Kevin's attempt to expel his wife and children, this matter remains of utmost significance to Christine.

In a filing on Wednesday, June 14, the former model, Rydell, expressed criticism towards Costner's lawyer, Laura Wasser, for not agreeing to postpone a hearing. This hearing will determine whether the judge will grant Costner's request to prevent his ex from residing in his Santa Barbara estate, as reported by Insider. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Costner, aged 68, filed documents claiming that Baumgartner, aged 49, is refusing to leave the premises. The Bodyguard actor pointed out that their prenuptial agreement stipulates that Baumgartner has 30 days to move out after filing for divorce.

Costner accuses the handbag designer of using the situation to manipulate him into making financial demands. He states that as part of his child support obligations, he is willing to contribute $30,000 per month for a rental house and an additional $10,000 for her moving costs.

Furthermore, Costner claims that Baumgartner has taken a total of $95,000 from his bank account and charged it to his credit card to pay for her divorce attorneys and forensic accountant. He emphasizes that this was done without any prior notice to him.

According to the filing, Kevin is requesting that Christine fulfill her obligations to him by vacating his separate property residence. He has offered financial support to facilitate the transition. The filing also mentions that Costner has been fully responsible for covering all expenses related to their children. Us confirmed in May that Baumgartner initiated divorce proceedings, citing irreconcilable differences, after being married to Costner for almost 19 years. The court documents reveal that the couple officially separated on April 11. Both parties are seeking joint physical and legal custody of their three children: Cayden (15), Logan (14), and Grace (12). It is worth noting that Costner has additional children from previous marriages.

Costner's representative issued a statement in May regarding the divorce filing, stating that it was not Costner's choice. The statement expressed sadness and acknowledged that circumstances beyond Costner's control had led to his involvement in the dissolution of marriage. In light of the situation, the statement requested privacy for Costner, Christine, and their children as they navigate this challenging time.

Later that month, an exclusive source informed Us that the couple's separation came as a "surprise" to everyone who believed Kevin and his wife were extremely content. The source added that Costner was taken aback by the news but still deeply cared for his wife and is making efforts to reconcile with her.

Throughout the years, the director has consistently expressed admiration for Baumgartner. In January, he publicly commended the founder of Cat Bag Couture for organizing a party at their residence when he couldn't attend the Golden Globes due to the flooding in Santa Barbara.

“My wife went down to the store with 30 bucks. I'll never forget this moment. She bought about 30 balloons because it was just going to be us and our family in the den, watching the Golden Globes. Costner, who won the awards for Best Actor in Drama Series for his role in Yellowstone, expressed his excitement through an Instagram post one month after the award show."

Costner and Baumgartner's relationship began in the 1990s, but they didn't start dating until several years later. Before getting married, they briefly broke up but quickly got back together.

Costner had hesitations about marrying Baumgartner because he was afraid he wouldn't be a good father. In an interview with Closer Weekly in June 2018, the director shared, "Fear kept me from marrying Christine... I woke up and realized that I could lose a wonderful woman who is willing to be by my side until the end just because I was afraid of having a child. That realization changed everything for me. Sometimes, facing our biggest fears can actually save our lives."

Costner later shared his perspective on the key to a prosperous marriage, emphasizing the importance of two simple words: "I'm sorry." In an interview with Parade in May 2012, he stressed the significance of expressing love and humility by apologizing, even when one believes they are in the right.